OTTER PHOTOGRAPHY

Photographing Otters in Shetland 2010.
Yell
Mainland
Fetlar

The following sequence of images was photographed during a hectic 4 day trip to the Shetland Islands. I consider myself very lucky to have been guided by Brydon Thomason during the trip. We visited three separate islands and had encounters with several otters each day, many of which resulted in photographic opportunities. I can not emphasise enough the importantance of local knowledge in getting in front of these elusive animals.

Kit used:

Nikon D3s

600mm F4 AFS

I used theD3s for the time on this trip.

The D3s is a fantastic piece of kit - ideally suited to this application. The unique facility is the option to push the ISO without loss of image quality.

This allows 'action stopping' shutter speed and flexibility to pick apperture required.

Missed Opportunity.
This image was the only reasonable shot taken during a sequence when this female otter appeared and came down this stream. It encountered a rabbit which was subsequently killed but not eaten. Although I managed to image the events the other photos were of poor techniqual quality - a great shame considering the unique opportunity.

D300 80-200 F2.8


The D3s was most useful during the sequence here. Fast action, low light and a 600mm lens mean that extremely high ISO was required.

This image is of the same mother and male cub as seen above.
Technically a difficult shot requiring high shutter speed and high ISO as a consequence in poor light conditions.
Polarizing filter used to reduce glare from the surface of the water.


Nikon D3s 600mm F4

This image was taken after a long wait in a snow storm. A few flakes of snow can just be seen.

D300 80-200 F2.8

Shetland 2010

Nikon D3s 600mm F4
Taken on a very overcast day with poor light.